Safe Driving
Driving Facts
Teen driving facts:
- Traffic crashes are the number one cause of death for Minnesota teens.
- Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers by 45% in a car and 60% in a light truck.
- If you haven't had enough sleep, you are driving impaired.
- Most crashes with teens occur at intersections – pay attention.
- Passengers strongly increase crash risk- the more passengers the greater the risk.
Don't be a statistic
Get home safely – your parents are waiting for you!
The message is simple: Be a Smart Driver
- always wear a seat belt-front and back seat
- never drive impaired or tired
- pay attention to your driving; limit your passengers
- slow down
Minnesota Traffic Laws
Not wearing seat belt can result in a seat belt ticket and cost you between $70-$115 - Vanessa's Law – if you are unlicensed and get into a crash, you have to wait until you are 18 to get your license
- Not a Drop - If you are under 21, and drink and drive, you can lose your license for up to 6 months.
- It is illegal to text message while driving (plus it's stupid!)
- It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving if you are under 18
Get Involved
- Joining the SADD group in your school is a great way to work on traffic safety. They do a variety of activities around seat belt use and impaired driving.
- The Safe Communities Coalition is a group of county residents and agencies working together to decrease injury and death from traffic crashes; join the club by calling 651-430-6675.
For More Information
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
